MATTRESSES, fridges and ironing boards have all been dumped at electricity substations delivering essential power supplies.
More than 150 of the sites have been the target of illegal fly-tipping this year in London, the South East and East of England – with other items found including sofas, desks, toasters, bottles, tree clippings, cans, building rubble, guttering and tyres.
The incidents can put power supplies at risk by delaying access to vital equipment and endanger staff visiting the sites to carry out inspections, maintenance or repairs.
Dumped settees and other large waste can also be tempting for children to climb, who might not understand the severe dangers of entering an electricity substation.
Jim Nicholl, lead environmental adviser at UK power networks said: "Fly-tipping can delay the reconnection of power supplies by blocking access to our essential electricity distribution equipment.
"It is also dirty, dangerous and can be harmful to our staff and the public. We are appealing to the public to help us by reporting any sightings of fly-tipping at the sites which bring power to their properties."
The group is urging people to call if they see rubbish blocking a substation, so the waste can be safely removed.
Cleaning up dumped items has already cost UK Power Networks several thousand pounds this year.
Anyone who sees fly-tipping blocking access to a substation can report it to the company on 0845 601 4516.
